Twins for the Bull Rider by April Arrington Read Free Book Online Page A

groaned and dropped her eyes to her wrinkled shirt. She’d worn her clothes from yesterday to bed, and they were rumpled almost beyond recognition. And she’d torn out of the room in such a hurry she’d left her shoes behind.
    This had to be a nightmare. She wiggled her unpolished toes against the gleaming hardwood floor just to be sure she was awake.
    â€œHere,” Kayden called. A sharp tug on Cissy’s wrist had her at eye level. “I’ll fix it.”
    â€œNo, Kayden, wait.”
    Dominic’s deep tenor and heavy footsteps registered right before Kayden jabbed his hand in her hair, fingers snarling in her bangs.
    â€œOw.” Cissy grabbed his wrist and yanked, but something sticky snagged every strand.
    â€œIt’s the syrup,” Dominic whispered softly into her ear as he gently untangled Kayden’s hand. “They just had pancakes.”
    She peeked at him from the corners of her eyes. His chiseled jaw was fresh shaven and the soft scent of soap and detergent accompanied each of his movements. His deep chuckle rumbled at her side, the heat of his palm caressing her scalp sending a thrill down her spine.
    â€œThanks,” Cissy mumbled. She stepped away and smoothed a shaky hand over her matted hair.
    â€œThe pancakes were awesome, Aunt Cissy.” Jayden reached her side and wound his sticky fingers through hers. “Ms. Betty cooked some for you, too.”
    â€œMs. Betty?” Cissy couldn’t help but smile at his excited expression.
    â€œHead chef,” Dominic answered for him. “Though she refuses the title. Ms. Betty’s been heading up the meals here for years.”
    Cissy nodded, eyeing Kayden. His knuckles tightened around the rope, wiggling the end that trailed along the floor. She stooped, grabbed it with her free hand and tugged.
    â€œHave you been torturing your brother with this all morning?”
    â€œNo,” Kayden said, pulling.
    Cissy narrowed her eyes and gave it a firm jerk. He snatched back.
    â€œNo, ma’am,” Kayden reiterated, chin jutting. “Ain’t had time to. Mr. Dominic took us out on the paddleboats before breakfast and showed us everything. They have a pool, and game room and—”
    â€œLots of horses,” Jayden added, leaning against her hip. “They have lots of horses, Aunt Cissy.”
    â€œUh-huh.” Cissy relinquished her hold on the rope and nudged the bedroom door open with her heel. “Why don’t you two go on in the room and wash up?”
    â€œBut Mr. Dominic said he’d let us pet the horses.” Kayden frowned in concentration, winding the rope up in his fist. “He said they have painters and nickels.”
    Kayden whipped the rope out against the floor with a sharp snap, causing them all to jump.
    â€œEasy, now.” Dominic reached out, big palm up, for the rope. “And they’re paint and quarter horses,” he stressed with another dimpled grin.
    â€œYeah. That’s what I said.” Kayden’s face puckered in affront but he handed over his prized possession with no resistance.
    Cissy fought to keep her jaw from hanging open. Who would’ve thought this handsome, muscled flirt would be so good with kids? Most men only thought of kids as a nuisance. They dropped tail and ran at the sight of them.
    Jayden squeezed her hand. “Mr. Dominic promised we could feed the horses.”
    â€œRegardless—” Cissy bent and steered the boys by their elbows through the door “—we all need to freshen up a bit. And I’m sure Mr. Dominic has other things to do.”
    Dominic cocked his head and shrugged. “Well, I did promise them. And I try not to break my promises.”
    His deep tone made her blood rush. It was husky and warm. The kind of voice a woman would expect a man to have first thing in the morning, his arms wrapped around her and his body hard.
    Cissy firmed her mouth. Promises . She’d made